Matthew Schrady here and I am fortunate enough not to have ALS. 

Unfortunately, one of my dearest friends, Craig Goida, was diagnosed with this terrible disease just under three years ago.  Over these years, I’ve had a front row view of how it’s not only ravaged his body, but his life and the life of his family. 

In his own words, here is Craig’s story:

Hi, my name is Craig and I am part of the amazing Craig’s Crusaders ALS San Diego Walk team. I am super proud of our team raising over $90k over the past 2 years!! And with the 2024 campaign underway, we have now surpassed the $100k mark 

Here’s my story. Like many of you I was going through life working hard and doing the things I enjoyed doing, playing flag football, hiking, backpacking, cycling, camping and lifting weights. Then one day in June 2021, I was lifting at the gym and I noticed that my left shoulder couldn’t lift as much as my right. I was blessed with great athletic ability so I knew my body well. I immediately knew something was not right. 

Like many with ALS, that day began a long, emotional, and scary journey until I received my official diagnosis on December 17, 2021. In 5 months my life was Chiropractor, Primary Doctor, x ray, neurologist and EMG, Orthopedic neck doctor, orthopedic shoulder doctor, to new neurologist, full body EMG, terminal diagnosis. 

I wish I could say I was strong enough mentally and spiritually to handle the news, but I was not. I didn’t eat or move for a week, but then my support system, including my amazing partner Grant gave me the encouragement I needed to begin to process and prepare for what we would do next. 

When we started this journey we knew it would be hard. We had no idea it would be this hard. The amount of energy and selfless care it takes is somewhat incomprehensible. Other than my amazing partner, and strong support, I am so thankful for 2 wonderful organizations that have supported me, Adapt for physical therapy and ALS San Diego. They both have the most caring compassionate and loving people I have ever met. I have also received great support from Compassionate Care ALS and Team Gleason for equipment and voice banking technology.

I have been very fortunate for the support I have received from ALS San Diego. Including, a cane, walker, scooter, stand up walker, multiple reclining chairs, air mattress and the latest most amazing duet wheelchair bike that has allowed me to get back on the road.

Throughout Craigs journey, I have been amazed at how many items need to be acquired by ALS sufferers in order to live their daily life; some of which are covered by insurance, a lot of which are not.  Without the support of an organization like ALS San Diego that provide many of these items, I simply do not know what people would do.

This October Craig, myself, and all of Craig’s Crusaders will walk to raise funds that ALS San Diego will use to directly impact the lives of those suffering with ALS.  Please consider donating anything you can to this most worthy cause.